Protesters Demand Bailout as Nationwide Demonstrations Expose Brutal Crackdown

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have left a trail of devastation and demands for government intervention.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s call to end the protests, demonstrations continued amid severe economic hardship. Security forces’ brutal responses have led to numerous deaths and injuries across northern Nigeria.

Reports indicate that at least 17 people were killed and several others injured during the initial days of the protests in cities like Abuja, Kano, and Suleja.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that live bullets were used, contradicting earlier statements from the Inspector-General of Police denying excessive force.

Amnesty International condemned the violence, accusing security personnel of deliberate lethal tactics. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka also criticized the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters.

Victims across various states shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. In Gombe, several individuals sustained severe injuries from gunshots and other violence. Mohammed Abdulrawuf, an 18-year-old, described being shot by security forces despite not participating in the protests.

Similarly, Femi Kuku, a journalist, suffered a dislocated leg after being shot at by security operatives while covering the protests.

The violence extended to vandalism and looting. In Kano, Barakat Stores reported over N5 billion in losses due to theft and destruction. Other businesses and facilities, including religious institutions, were similarly targeted.

The Nigerian government has faced calls for justice and compensation for victims. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba group, have demanded investigations and accountability for the violence.

In response to these demands, the Kaduna State Governor pledged to investigate the death of a teenager killed by soldiers during the protests, while calls for federal intervention to support affected individuals and families continue.